Disneyland will close for the month over coronavirus
Disney will close its Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California following concerns about contributing to the spread of the novel coronavirus. The company will continue paying cast members (the company’s terminology for employees) during the closure.
“While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive orders, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure beginning the morning of March 14th through the end of the month,” a statement reads.
This marks the fourth time in history the iconic Disney amusement park’s operations have ceased entirely, according to New York Times reporter Brooks Barnes. Previous closures came after September 11th, the national day of mourning following President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and the Northridge earthquake in 1994. It’s unclear if Disney is preparing to close its Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The Verge has reached out to Disney for more information.
Disney has faced mounting public pressure to close its parks in recent weeks as the coronavirus outbreak has grown into a global pandemic. On March 12th, California Governor Gavin Newsom told press that parks like Disneyland are exempt from the state’s ban on public gatherings because the “complexity of their unique circumstances requires additional conversation, a different kind of engagement in real time.” Other major public events, including SXSW in Austin and Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, were postponed or canceled due to coronavirus.
Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer for Disney parks, said in a statement just this week that Disney parks are exceptionally clean destinations, but acknowledged the company is keeping an eye on things.
“As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our cast, guests and the larger community, we are carefully monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance,” Hymel said on March 10th. “Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, are welcoming guests as usual and we continue to implement preventive measures in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies.”
There are more than 134,000 confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide, and extreme precautions are being taken to contain the spread as that number is expected to rise. More than 4,900 people have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
Disney will close its Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California following concerns about contributing to the spread of the novel coronavirus. The company will continue paying cast members (the company’s terminology for employees) during the closure. “While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing…
